My Holiday Essentials For Children

AD - This post contains gifted products.

A few weeks ago we jetted off to southern Spain for 11 nights and I'll be honest, we didn't want to come home! Traveling abroad with young children isn't as daunting as it sounds, it's all about being prepared for the journey and for your stay. A simple way to do this is to start your travels off in a relaxed and organised manner. Easier said than done right? Well, if I can do it then you can too! I like to prepare them a flight bag each, full of goodies to keep them entertained and make sure to pack essentials (nappies, suncream, etc) in our suitcases. This blog post has been put together with gifted products, all which we took abroad with us and used every day.

1. Trunki Toddlepak Rucksack & Drink Bottle - £19.99 & £7.99The first items on my list are the rucksacks and drink bottles from Trunki. Both the bags and bottles come in an array of different colours and designs, all of which are funky, bright, and cheerful. I let the kids choose which ones they'd like. Noah chose the orange tiger design and the blue bottle, whereas Ava opted for the green dinosaur backpack and the pink bottle. Both items have the design and aesthetic quality that I expect from Trunki so they are certainly worth the cost. I'll be dedicating a full review of them in the next week so do keep an eye on the blog if you'd like to read more about these products.

2. Slipfree Shoes - from £14.95I was gifted these in exchange for a social media post but I love them so much that I had to include them in this post. Slipfree shoes are designed to be worn around the pool, in the pool, at the beach, on holiday, at home, everywhere! They come in lots of different designs and after much deliberation chose the flamingo design for Ava and the shark print for Noah. They quickly became an essential for us on our holiday, and I noticed that the kids would prefer to wear them over their sandals. They took a matter of seconds to get on their feet, gave them extra confidence in and around the pool and dried within minutes too. I cannot recommend them enough and will be buying them new ones once they have grown out of these.

3. Cuddledry Sun Protection Poncho Towel- £27.99

Cuddledry is a brand that I've adored for years so I was delighted when I was offered their sun protection poncho towel to try out on our holiday. With Cuddledry's signature blend of bamboo and cotton, it's just as soft and lovely as their regular towels, however, it offers something extra. It provides SPF50+ protection, which makes it ideal for taking on holiday, both in this country or abroad. Ava liked to wear it after being in the pool or the sea. I'd simply pull it on over her head, make sure the hood was up, fasten the underarm poppers and she was good to go. Take a look at the images on my Instagram page if you would like to see the sun protection towel in all it's glory.

4. Organix Goodies Snacks - from £2.00I've worked with Organix for years and their snacks often end up in my trolley when out shopping, courtesy of the kids. I don't mind though. Their products are organic and contain zero junk, they are a no guilt treat for them to indulge in. Organix kindly sent Noah and Ava some snacks for them to enjoy on the plane and whilst on holiday. They received a couple of their all-time favourites; two boxes of Organix Goodies Gingerbread Men and four packs of Organix Goodies Soft Oaty Bars. I made sure to pack a couple in their flight bags and the rest went into our cases because I always find it comforting to take familiar from home just in case they refuse to eat much else.

5. Orchard Toys Games & Sticker Colouring Books - from £3.00Okay, so this post has turned into a favourite brands type post too. First Trunki, then Cuddledry, Organix and now Orchard Toys! We have amassed quite the collection of Orchard Toys games and puzzles over the years. They are something we like to do together as a family and can often be found in Noah's room playing with them. Orchard Toys sent us a couple of their products for our trip, the first being two games; Match and Spell, and Let's Go Lotto. I packed both in our cases and we enjoyed playing both poolside or on our terrace. Match and Spell was a great game to play to keep Noah's brain engaged whilst off school and Let's Go Lotto provided lots of fun for all the family. The Sticker Colouring books were just the right size to pack in their flight bags. We were 40,000 feet in the air, colouring, writing and sticking and the kids didn't make a peep! In fact, the couple in front of us made a point to tell us that they didn't even realise children were sat behind them.Which of these products do you like the sound of the most?

Snacks have always been travel essentials for us and doubly so when my son was a toddler and preschooler. I used to look out for small items to use for entertaining him as he needed a lot of variety and with small things I could pack more in.

1. Trunki Toddlepak Rucksack and Drink Bottle. So, so practical, and looks great. Given that the weather forecast / forecasters have predicted a heatwave. It seems that we should be seriously considering hydration, etc for children, older people, those with long term health conditions, the disabled, pets, etc. Health, Parental Responsibility, etc are important aspects of life. We need to be aware, and thankfully the media are keeping us informed in regards to expected temperatures, importance of hydration, methods of cooling down :- Make use of shaded ares, etc.

As our culture is very child positive. It is the older generation, etc that seems concerning. Hopefully these individuals will be safely and adequately provided for via Care service, Carers, Care Home staff, Family, Friend, Neighbour's, etc. As these are individuals whom we are told are vulnerable, at risk of social isolation, etc. Please let Britain be a Caring, Nurturing Enviroment which provides safe, appropriate Caring for all ages, stages of life span. Surely quality of life is important for all. Maybe status quo needs to be challenged in order to Protect the vulnerable within society / communities, etc.

Slipfree Shoes :- Seem a good idea. As Child Safety is important. Wondering how durable these are, given the price, and you mention considering replacing them in time ( though no guide, estimate mentioned). Child growth, rate of growth may be a factor. If they are outgrown before ourworn then a younger sibling could make use of a pair that the older sibling has had some use from the product. Thus economics, finances, budgeting is worth considering. As children outgrow lots of clothing and footwear over the years.

Organic Goodie Snacks :- "Nice to Be Nice", Kindness. Apparently the media has mentioned that Prince Gerge's is encouraged in regards to Kindness via the school he attends. I wonder just what that will / may lead to in regards to his Behaviour and manners in the Future.

Orchard Toys, Games and Books Coulouring, Stickers :- Range of Activities for the children. Great idea for journey and holidays.

Wondering what items you take or consider taking with you on holiday for other age groups. As if the children are occupied :- That may allow others to read a book, which could be paperback or electronic. All generations benefit from a selection of items for journey / holiday. Packing ideas / advice is something which I feel I would benefit from. Baggage, baggage allowance can have such an impact nowadays. How do others manage these tasks?

Though sticker and activity books have been included as Holiday Essentials for Children in this blog. Personally I would tend to include story books.

Children and Adults can enjoy reading a good book :- Whether that be at home, library, school, holiday, etc. So a selection of children's books :- Carefully chosen by adults, as weight can be an ISSUE for travelling.

Church Minister recently read book to Children at "Children's Time " in the church. As the remainder of the congregation quietly and intently listened. She usually asks the children a few questions, could be about the story, pictures in the book, etc.

Book she read was :- The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. Good story, and beautifully coloured illustrations.

Children :- Whether at home, or on Holiday, are in need of being considered and safest practice put into place by Responsible Adult. Recently came across child in pram being wheeled across a car park by adult. Yet there was dropped kerbs nearby, as well as path at either side of car park, car was leaving car park (i.e. In motion when adult entered the car park wheeling pram).

Dropped kerbs are to allow those in wheelchairs accesbility, and surely also to allow / provide accessibility (ease of mobility) for prams / pram users. Maybe these areas could be highlighted, or Public Awareness / Education may be necessary to encourage safe practices. Child Safety, Road Safety are important ISSUES. Parental Responsibility, yet though baby / child carseats is a topic which is highlighted and addressed via Antenatal Classes, etc. Maybe Road Safety practices need to be an element which is discussed and addressed for Parents, Carers, etc. The parental role is so important, and so varied, it can also be quite demanding. Some parents lacking sufficient sleep. Surely there are priorities and then there is much choice in regards to prams, clothing, etc. Parents can very easily become overwhelmed.

Colouring books :- Bliss! They can occupy the children for quite some time. Whilst they may learn new things from the pictures, interacting with parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. As they often chat about what they are doing. So can be an intergenerational experience.

Adult colouring books are also available which some people find quite relaxing, calming, as they concentrate, and see their picture brighten before their eyes, as they fill the page /s with colour.

Holidays, Days Out, Short Breaks, Events, etc can be lots of fun. Some of the items shown above are of use for these outdoors activities / socialising, etc. Health, Safety, Comfort Measure :- Refreshments such as snacks, fresh water to drink, access to toilets, entertaining activities, etc are important elements when visiting new places.

This week 08th - 13th July is Dog Awareness Week. I believe aim is to encourage dog owners to be Responsible Dog Owners. As media has reported that there has been an increase in postmen and Postwomen being bitten by dogs :- When they are just trying to complete paid employment tasks. Such as delivering mail and parcels, etc. Respect.

Dogs can be man's best friend. Maybe Dog Obedience Classes could / should be made compulsory for Dog Owners. As legal requirement for dog to be under the control of Responsible Owner :- Surely!

Oh, How we' love and very much need a holiday / break, time to relax, etc. Yet, not happening, at least not yet. There are others who feel the need from the pressures of life. So I will Count my Blessings, and make the most of what we have, and what opportunities may happen to come by our way. Perhaps some Days Out.

Can be nice to explore another town, city, village, etc. So maybe that is just what we will do. Making use of ideas from this blog. As we do need water and food in order to live and function. Sometimes trying something new can be a wonderful treat. Travelling to destination :- Fluids, snacks, or refreshments are a necessity. Books, magazines, puzzle / activity books are great assets for journeys :- We regularly make use of these.

Looking forward to some delicious and refreshing ice cream if / when we get the opportunities. Visits to cafe /s, picnic/ s, etc may also be aspects of our Day/ s Out. We do enjoy delicious and nutritious food. "Feel Good Factor" for us.

Where will we go. That is still to be Determined. Outdoors in the Fresh Air is our Hope and Desire. Weather permitting, of course. We tend to prepare for rain :- As rain happens. Rainwater is life giving. Living beings require water. I do enjoy hearing the birds chirp in the trees, enjoy seeing the green leaves on the trees, the green grass, people out walking / exercising their dogs, etc, etc. The Wonderful Great Outdoors :- Bliss! As can be relaxing :- Maybe park benches to sit and rest upon. Beautiful, colourful plants and flowers to admire and appreciate. Nature is a Wonder. God Given.